Trojan forward makes the cut for the USA squad's trip to Russia this summer.

Cassie Harberts is heading to Russia as a member of the USA's World University Games team.

May 21, 2013

USC junior Cassie Harberts will look to collect another gold medal with USA Basketball when the Trojan forward heads to Russia this summer as a member of the USA's World University Games team. A gold medalist with the Under-18 team at the 2010 FIBA Americas Championship prior to her freshman season at USC, Harberts has made her resurgence to the USA Basketball scene in making the roster of 12 after a standout performance as one of 33 players invited to trials last week.

The 2013 World University Games women's basketball competition will be held July 8-15 in Kazan, Russia, and the team will regroup in Colorado Springs for training June 25-July 1.

Harberts was an All-Pac-12 Team pick this past season after averaging 18.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. She led the Trojans in points, rebounds and blocks, and finished third in the Pac-12 in points per game. In her junior season, Harberts set USC school records in free throws made (207) and attempted (298) while also climbing up the all-time career charts. Her 427 career free throws made ranks her fifth all-time. She also passed up the 1,000 career point mark this past season, now ranking No. 16 all-time at USC with 1,293 career points entering her senior season. Harberts tallied 11 double-doubles in 2012-13 to hold 17 total in her career.

CASSIE'S Q&A with USA BASKETBALL:What was your initial reaction when you heard your name called a few minutes ago?
"At first, I didn't know they had gone to the World University Games team. I just thought they were still on the U19's. Then I heard my name, and I was in shock. I still feel like this isn't real life."

You were a member of the 2010 USA FIBA Americas U18 Championship team. Do you feel like this is the same excitement that you had three years ago when you heard your name, or is it even a little bit more now?
"I think it's a little bit more. Just seeing a lot of these players come in here in the training camp, and seeing how great they are outside their own college basketball teams, I'm just honored to be a part of the team."

How do you feel like you played over these last three days? When you came into the gym this morning did you feel you were deserving of a spot?
"I felt like I didn't have the best tryout that I could. I was really surprised I was called, but apparently they believe in me, so I just hope I can make them proud in Russia."

Have you ever been to Russia before?
"Never, and I'm real excited."

Have you heard anything about it?
"I've heard it's a really nice place where we're going, and I have a couple friends from my school that are going there to play tennis. So I'll see them there, and it'll be really cool."

What are your plans until you come back to start training camp in five weeks?
"Just getting in the gym, getting shots up, playing a lot of pick up. Obviously, weights and conditioning, and just trying to stay in shape so when I come back up here, I don't die (laughing)."

So you're not going to change anything to your training?
"Maybe go a little harder, but definitely have to work."

What do you feel is the biggest thing you hope to bring to this team?
"I think the little things. I'm not looking to come out here and be the top scorer. I'll be the passer. I'll be the rebounder. I'll be the great screener. So, just hustle plays."